Barcelona Star Sent Home From Spain Squad as Statement Issued

A Barcelona star has been released from the Spain camp ahead of the match against Bulgaria.

On Saturday, reigning European champions Spain continued their perfect record in the qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.

Luis de la Fuente's men beat Georgia 2-0 thanks to goals from Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal.

As a result, Spain lead Turkey by three points at the top of Group E.

On Tuesday night, La Roja will continue their qualifying campaign by taking on Bulgaria at the Estadio José Zorrilla in Valladolid.

However, ahead of the match, one player has been forced to leave the Spain camp due to injury.

Barcelona star Ferran Torres, who started against Georgia and missed a penalty, has been sent home due to a muscle problem.

A statement from the Spanish Football Association read: "Ferran Torres has been dropped against Bulgaria the fourth qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup in Valladolid.

"The FC Barcelona striker, after completing the match against Georgia in Elche, reported muscle discomfort that was evaluated by the medical services of the RFEF including the performance of complementary tests, diagnosing a muscle overload without associated anatomical injury."

Ferran Torres in action for Spain against Georgia. Image: Getty

The statement continued: "Given the proximity of the match against Bulgaria, maintaining the policy of not taking risks and prioritizing the player's health, he has been dropped. The medical services of FC Barcelona are informed of all the details."

Torres, 25, has enjoyed a decent start to the 25/26 season for Barcelona, having recorded five goals and one assist in 10 matches across all competitions.

The former Manchester City man, who played under Pep Guardiola between 2020 and 2022, also has 22 goals in 51 matches for Spain.

Barcelona will be left sweating over the forward's fitness ahead of their La Liga clash against Girona at the Estadi Lluís Companys Olympic on Saturday afternoon.